Joan of Arc's Episode

Over here! Ethan!

Joan of Arc... I rushed over because you called, but what are all these people doing here?

As you can see, they're refugees. The families of the injured or fallen soldiers. Some of them came to escape.

I see, but why are there so many? I've traveled all over Britannia, but I've never seen this many gathered in one place.

I gathered them here.

You did? Why?

There are people scattered all over the continent, wounded and exhausted, but since they're spread out, they haven't been able to get proper treatment or care.

But if we gather them in one place, it'll be easier to help them. And the enemy won't likely target such a place with such vile tactics!

Wow... That's impressive.

I thought you were only good in battle, but I didn't expect you to be this considerate.

So, why am I here? Are you asking me to help with volunteer work or something?

Hehe, of course! You're the Swordbringer, aren't you? Show off your excellent leadership!

Ah... I had a bad feeling ever since I read that letter.

Eh? What? Is it that you don't want to, Ethan?

No, it's not that I don't want to, it's just... I have my own circumstances...

Honestly, I'm barely keeping up with the fighting, and if I have to take care of people too, I'm...

Ethan!

Huh? Hmm? Yes...?

I believe everyone should live in a world where everyone is equally happy.

The war was caused by kings and nobles. If we turn our backs on those who've suffered from it, no one will follow us.

If the Swordbringer has the responsibility to save the world... you understand, don't you, Ethan?

I understand...

I knew you'd, Ethan. Please check the food supply first.

No matter what, helping so many people might delay the battle preparation.

I'm not saying you have to keep helping. Just for a little while, it's fine, right? I trust you, Ethan...!

Hmm... if you put it like that...

Here, have some of this. It will warm you up.

Oh! Leave the laundry there. I'll take it all to the stream and wash it.

Are you feeling better? Should I call a priest?

...Impressive.

Ethan, why are you standing there like that? You're in charge of the food, aren't you? Hurry up and catch some fish.

I've already prepared it. I've checked the remaining grains too.

Oh, I see... I'm sorry for pushing you.

It's fine. It's understandable to be on edge in this situation.

If you're done, you should rest. I still need to check on more of the injured.

How long have you been doing this? You look really tired... you should rest too.

I can't rest when I see people groaning in pain. It's important to fight against the heretics and take care of these people.

You're really an amazing person.

Heh, it's written in the Bible to help others...!

Don't overdo it. I'll handle the repairs.

Yes, Ethan!

Aren't you working too hard? You should delegate tasks to people who can move.

If you collapse, it'll be a huge loss for us too.

I'm fine. Compared to what I went through in Ygritte, this is nothing!

Hmm... you said you're from Ygritte.

Was Ygritte also destroyed by the Empire's tyranny...?

It was the heretics. From their perspective, my existence, as someone who believed in and followed the Bible, was probably a nuisance.

Tiamat Church... they're involved everywhere, huh.

But people liked you? Did you live the same way back then as you do now?

Of course. I always lived helping people.

So you didn't start fighting when the war broke out.

I never liked fighting. Even against enemies, I didn't like hurting others.

But after witnessing the atrocities of the heretics... and experiencing it firsthand, my thoughts changed.

You experienced it? Something major happened?

Yes... I nearly got burned at the stake.

Cough!

A-Are you okay, Ethan?

Shocking... Why did they want to kill you? You were only helping people.

It's a bit embarrassing to say, but... as I helped everyone, I eventually became known as the Saint of Ygritte.

They probably saw you as a rallying point for the people...

That's likely. They accused me of being a witch.

How did you escape?

...

Joan?

...It's embarrassing, but I was helped by a famous assassin. She was a fugitive.

Huh? Could it be Enya?

...! Do you know her, Ethan?

Of course I do... she's a troublesome one.

The world is small. It's surprising that you two know each other.

It seems so, heh.

After barely escaping with my life, I learned that the heretics were from the Tiamat Church. From then on, as you know...

So you're fighting to eliminate the Tiamat Church?

That's part of it... but, in reality, I'm fighting for the people.

As long as they, who tried to burn me and drive many into despair, are out there, the world will remain in chaos.

That's true.

After going through such a big event, you're still stepping up for everyone... you really are...

Heh, it's just something from the past.

To think of me like that... thank you so much, Ethan.

Ethan... Are you done over there?

Yeah. A severely injured person was brought in, so I gave first aid and sent them to the priest. What's all that stuff you're carrying?

Ah, it's getting cold, so I gathered firewood! I still need to gather a lot more to warm everyone up, though.

I'll carry this... can you help the people over there?

How are you going to carry all that wood by yourself? I'll help you, Joan.

Well, it's okay...

It'll be good exercise, so it works out. Heave-ho!

T-Thank you, Ethan!

That's a lot of wood... You've got your work cut out for you, Joan.

This much... is nothing, really!

Ouch...

...I knew you were pushing yourself. Take care of you.

Still, things are starting to settle down. The newcomers look much brighter now.

It's all thanks to you.

No, you've worked hard too, Ethan!

But, aren't you staying too long because of me? I really only needed a bit of help. You could have left sooner.

What good would it do to say that now? Fortunately, the empire and Tiamat's followers are keeping quiet, so there's no real problem.

I see... You really have a lot to worry about, Ethan.

I appreciate you recognizing that...

Heh, of course. You are...

Ah, no... it's nothing. Ah... I forgot to feed the chickens. I should go do that... oh...

Joan! Are you okay?

Ah... yes... I just got a little dizzy. There's nothing seriously wrong... Ugh...

This isn't good. Lie down over here. Moving around without taking care of yourself is going to cause problems.

It's just... there are a lot of people who need help...

Ethan, uh, you can let go of my hand now...

Huh? Hand?

Ah! Sorry!

It's fine. Thank you for holding onto me. I'll... rest for a bit.

Leave the work to me. I'll take care of everything!

Ethan... would you come over here for a moment?

Huh?

...!

Ah, the kiss on the cheek just now... don't take it seriously, it's just a thank you!

The camp has settled down a lot. Great job, Joan of Arc.

Ethan, you've worked really hard.

Especially when the well ran dry and we had to dig a new one. I was really surprised. You're more persistent than you look. Hehe!

I've been doing strength training non-stop. Compared to what I learned under Merlin, this is nothing.

Are you heading back now?

Yeah. I've heard rumors the enemy is on the move, so I need to get ready.

I'll join you as soon as I finish wrapping up!

Don't overdo it. You've barely had a chance to rest while taking care of everyone here. What if you collapse from exhaustion in battle?

Hehe, that won't happen. There are more people I need to look after than just them.

And... you are someone I have to look after too...!

Joan...

W-wait, what did you just say...?

Ah! Oh... I mean... uh...

I... I respect you. Of course, I like you as a person, but the way you care for others in a manner fitting of a saint...

I thought it was... so impressive!

Oh, I see... You startled me, Ethan.

Even if it was meant differently... I'm fine with it...

Huh? What did you say?

Ah... nothing...! Hehe!

...Huh?

A leader's dignity wouldn't be intact if I only received care from such a wonderful and cool ally like you.

When you return and stand beside me on the battlefield... I'll definitely protect you. Until the Saint of Ygritte becomes the Saint of the continent!

Ethan... I truly appreciate that...

I've learned a lot from you through this.

Huh? Me? I think it's the other way around. All I did was run errands.

That's not true. Unlike you, Ethan, who works hard silently, I couldn't do as much as I said.

So I became anxious... and I was harsh with you too.

Hmm... I just did it without thinking.

Still,

I've learned how amazing it is to move forward quietly and persistently.

I'm not sure, but I'm glad I was able to help. I'll try to think more about others from now on.

To Salisbury!

The past may have burned away, but let's work together to fill the new future with warmth and happiness!